Enjoying Food in Lancaster Amish Country

Many families, especially those who live in the Northeast region of the United States, make trips to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, otherwise known as "Amish Country." Couples see shows at the Sight and Sound Theatre, and parents take their little ones to Dutch Wonderland. Plenty of shopping opportunities exist on Route 30, which is the major road running through town. However, the food of the Pennsylvania Dutch is simply something that cannot be ignored. How can you turn your trip to Amish Country into a tour of some of the most wonderful food in the country?

You absolutely must make a stop at Miller's Smorgasbord. This restaurant serves up huge breakfast and dinner buffets, and it's practically impossible to describe all of the glory. In the early morning hours, have an omelet made to your specifications, indulge in corned beef hash or try one of the different types of available pancakes. The hot chocolate is out of this world, and it's always served with a smile and a large dollop of whipped cream. Dinner at Miller's introduces you to plenty of heavily buttered noodles, delectable meats at the carving station, mashed potatoes and all of the other comforts of home. Dessert, complete with the famous shoo-fly pie, awaits you in one of the corners of the buffet.

Once you've had your fill at Miller's, you'll need a little bit of a break from eating. When the time comes to eat again, check out Kitchen Kettle Village. If you go during the Christmas season, you might be able to roast a marshmallow over a firepit. However, no matter what time of the year you go, the Jam and Relish Kitchen is a place at which you must stop. Dozens of jams, relishes and other goodies are available for sampling, and you could probably spend hours walking around the entire store. At select times, the shop also offers jam making classes. You'll work with one of the Amish people from the area to create your very own jam. In addition to learning the techniques of jam making passed on from generation to generation, you will also be able to inquire about the Amish culture. The guides are quite friendly. At the end of the process, you'll be walking away with a many jars of jam. Consider giving them away as holiday gifts, or bringing them home to family and friends who did not come on the trip.

Sometimes, we become a little bit too involved in our own lives, and forget about the world around us. Family style dinners are an excellent way to connect with other people, and restaurants such as Plain 'n Fancy and Good 'n Plenty are the perfect ways to do that. You are sat with strangers who can quickly become friends, and a predetermined menu is brought to everyone. You receive your own checks, so the awkwardness of diving a sum with strangers is eliminated. Of course, some people want the food but are not comfortable with the seating arrangements. At both of this restaurants, you have the option to sit with just your party and order off of the regular menu.

Now, plenty of activities exist in Lancaster County, and you likely want to get all of them in. While eating at at least some of the aforementioned places is really a necessity to fully experience the Amish culture, some quick bites exist too. Along the main road, you'll find a Starbucks, Arby's, Texas Roadhouse and plenty other chain establishments that satisfy a palate in need of a quick bite to eat. When you want a vacation full of food, Lancaster is truly the place to be.